Dongfeng M-Hero M817 Is An Awesome Looking 4×4 SUV

The M817 is priced significantly lower than other luxury off-road competitors like the BYD Yangwang U8, making its advanced features accessible to a wider market of off-road enthusiasts.

This M817 is a large SUV (5,100 mm long with a 3,005 mm wheelbase) which translates to ample cabin room and legroom for passengers. A panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space.

A major draw is the integration of Huawei’s full-stack intelligent solutions, including the HarmonyOS Cockpit 5 for a premium interior digital experience. The dashboard features a “coast-to-coast” three-screen setup which is a 12.3-inch driver instrument panel, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and a separate 12.3-inch entertainment screen for the front passenger.

The central screen runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS Cockpit 5.0, offering fluid interaction and over-the-air (OTA) updates. A touchscreen integrated into the rear armrest allows passengers to control their seats, climate, and multimedia.

Includes dual 50W air-cooled wireless charging pads and multiple power outlets (up to 13 onboard), with an external Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power discharge feature. A W-HUD system provides key information to the driver without needing to look away from the road. 

It is also equipped with Qiankun ADS 4 advanced driver assistance system. The system relies on 11 HD cameras, three 4D millimeter-wave radars, and a 192-line LiDAR to perceive its environment.

The vehicle’s body structure uses a 1920 mm integrated high-pressure longitudinal beam, with 63% high-strength material to provide a rigid and protective survival space. There are multiple airbags are a standard feature across the entire range.

The vehicle has passed rigorous limit collision tests, including a 22-ton truck bottoming test and a 5-ton rear-end collision test.

The battery pack is designed to be fire-resistant (“zero fire”) via a four-dimensional ultra-high protective shield technology that integrates safety measures at the cell, module, pack, and vehicle chassis levels.

E-CALL: The emergency call (E-CALL) system has a response time of less than 3 seconds.

ISOFIX: The second-row seats are equipped with an ISOFIX child safety seat interface

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system combines a 1.5L turbocharged engine with dual electric motors, delivering a substantial 687 horsepower and 848 Nm of torque. This configuration provides impressive acceleration (0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds) while offering a combined range of up to 1,300 km.

The primary technology partner for the DongFeng M817 is Huawei, with battery cells supplied by CATL. 

The SUV’s imposing, military-inspired “rugged” exterior design appeals to consumers looking for a distinctive and powerful road presence, setting it apart from more conventional SUVs. The Dongfeng M817’s off-road capabilities include an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, front and rear differential locks, and a multi-mode plug-in hybrid powertrain with a combined output of over 700 hp. 

It also features specific off-road equipment like an off-road-edition variant with beadlock wheels, AT tires, nitrogen shock absorbers, and a reinforced bumper. Off-road specific angles include a 33° approach angle and a 34° departure angle, and a 900 mm wading depth.

It successfully bridges the gap between traditional, utilitarian off-road vehicles and high-end, intelligent new energy SUVs, meeting demand for a vehicle that is capable both on and off-road. 

The intelligent driving system uses an off-road scene AI algorithm (WEWA architecture) to distinguish real obstacles from sand and dust interference, which reduces false alarms by 60% compared to traditional systems.

Well, this state-owned parent company of the M-Hero brand launched M-Hero as a premium new energy off-road manufacturer.